7-28-2015 County Commissioners to Consider Backyard Chicken OrdinanceThe Marion County Board of Commissioners will hold the first reading of an ordinance allowing backyard chickens, within urban growth boundary areas, at its regularly scheduled Board Session on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. A second reading is set for two weeks later at the Wednesday, August 12, board session. If adopted, the ordinance would become effective 90 days after the second reading.

7-24-2015 Bat Found in Marion County Tests Positive for RabiesMarion County health officials are reporting that a bat found inside a home tested positive for rabies on Tuesday, July 20, 2015. The test was conducted by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. This is the fifth bat in Oregon to test positive for rabies in 2015, and the first in Marion County.

7-7-2015 Veterans Tribute at the Marion County FairThe Marion County Fair, in partnership with the Marion County Veterans Task Force, is honoring veterans, service members and their families with a special tribute on Thursday, July 9, at 4:15 p.m. on the main stage at the county fair. The program will feature local veterans speaking about their transition from military to civilian life. Veterans Tribute Program

June 2015

6-25-2015 Dog Shelter Reminds Owners to Keeps Pets Safe Over Holiday Weekend The Marion County Dog Shelter is reminding dog owners that many pets can become agitated and upset from the noise, smell, and lights from 4th of July fireworks. In the event dogs and their owners are separated, shelter staff is reminding owners to make sure dogs are wearing collars with their license attached and that microchip information is accurate and up to date.

6-25-2015 WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program The Marion County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is pleased to announce the start of the 2015 Farmers Market coupon season. These coupons are provided by the Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) to promote healthful eating and to encourage the purchase of locally grown produce.

6-23-2015 Marion County Fair Recruiting Volunteers The Marion County Fair is currently recruiting for the upcoming 2015 fair set for July 9-12 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Volunteers play a vital role in producing the annual fair. Volunteers from all walks of life do a variety of tasks from booth and display set-up, to greeters at the fair information booth, to helping clean-up and breakdown at the end of fair, and much more.

6-1-2015 Community Health Forums: Set to Review and Receive Input on Community Health AssessmentThe Marion County Health Department, in partnership with Polk County and Willamette Valley Community Health, is excited to announce three Community Health Forums to share results of the recent Community Health Assessment and to receive feedback from the public.

May 2015

5-28-2015 Marion County Fair Open Class Exhibits Sibling rivalry? Let the judges decide who makes the best Marionberry pie, nicest quilt or tallest Lego tower. There’s even a table setting contest – great for kids and adults! The 2015 Marion County Fair, set for July 9-12 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, offers a wide variety of class competitions open to all individuals. And you don’t need to be a member of a particular club or organization to participate.

5-21-2015 Marion County Fair Seeking Community Stage PerformersThe Marion County Fair is calling all dancers, jumpers, leapers and drum thumpers. We’ll take kickers, choppers and ninjas too! We even have room for players, singers and poetry sounders – yes we mean all of you. We have the stage, the audience, the fun and the promotions. All that we’re missing – is YOU.

3/31/2015 Public Health Week Photo Project Celebrates the Healthiest Generation, April 6-12, 2015As part of National Public Health Week, April 6-12, the Marion County Health Department will showcase public health services that help with the goal of making the United States the Healthiest Nation in One Generation by 2030. This photo project will use social media to feature local programs and events that promote healthy lifestyles in each generation.

3/6/2015 County Commissioners to Present Annual State of the County AddressThe Marion County Board of Commissioners will present their annual State of the County Address at the SEDCOR Economic Business Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. The event will be held from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the Broadway Commons located at 1300 Broadway Street NE, Salem.

February 2015

2/2/2015 Two-County Health AssessmentThe Marion and Polk County Health Departments have joined with community partners to conduct a comprehensive community health assessment.

January 2015

1/9/2015 Proposed Stormwater Maintenance FeeThe Marion County Board of Commissioners will be holding a public hearing to consider a proposed Stormwater maintenance fee for the Stormwater Management Area